"Life is a marathon. Don't be in a hurry." — Marcia Burr
When Marcia Burr first connected with Elder Options, she was navigating the daily realities of being a dementia care partner. She joined our Savvy Caregiver Program for practical tools and support—a step that sparked an ongoing commitment to our mission.
After completing the program, Marcia trained to become a certified Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention instructor through Elder Options, and in 2020, she brought her advocacy to our Board of Directors, representing Levy County.
For Marcia, staying active is healthcare. Over the past few years, she faced a painful battle with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a circulatory condition that affects roughly 1 in 5 adults over 60 (CDC, Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness).
After nearly two years of chronic pain and ultimately a toe amputation in 2025, Marcia used Tai Chi and Qigong to rebuild her physical health, using gentle movement and massage to drive vital blood flow back to her limbs.
“The importance of blood flow is way underrated,” Marcia says. “Even when my toe was hurting, I’d get up and teach online classes. You have to pay attention to your body’s ‘Danger, Will Robinson’ signals, but a big part of recovery is getting into your happy place and paying attention to how your body responds.”
Ask Marcia about volunteering, and her passion for helping others takes center stage.
“A selfish reason I love teaching is that it keeps me a perpetual student,” Marcia laughs. “It keeps me motivated and focused on my community—asking how I can help people learn about health issues as we get older.”
She recalls watching an 80-year-old student in Old Town with a medical port in his chest keep right on moving, whether seated or standing. For Marcia, seeing her students gain confidence and strength makes every moment worth it.
If you’re hesitant to join a movement class, Marcia’s approach is simple: meet people where they are.
- Worried about physical pain? Seated Tai Chi offers the exact same circulatory and balance benefits without the stress on your joints.
- Think it’s a bit too “woo-woo”? “Once you learn the basic movements, it’s really no different than learning a line dance,” Marcia explains.
Join Marcia’s Upcoming Tai Chi Class- August 3! https://agingresources.org/event/tc-gainesville/
